Communication facilities power supply control device, power supply control method, power supply control program, and power supply control system

ABSTRACT

A power source supply control device supplies electric power to independent loads from a common main power source or main power sources. The control device includes: switch units configured to switch electric power supply to the loads from the main power source; a plurality of power source monitor units each configured to monitor a power source state in each of power source lines at a downstream side of the switch units; and a switch control unit configured to control each of the switch units sequentially. The switch control unit specifies a switching order to the loads according to a predetermined state, and switches the switch unit that controls energization to a second load, after a power source meets a predetermined condition, based on output of the power source monitor unit that monitors electric power supply to a first load whose switching order is earlier than the second load.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power source supply control devicefor communication facilities, a power source supply control method, apower source supply control program, and a power source supply controlsystem that are usable to control overall power source supply in asystem in which a plurality of independent communication facilities arerespectively loads to be controlled.

BACKGROUND ART

Various communication facilities require supply of stable power sourceelectric power to operate stably. Accordingly, it is expected thatstable power source electric power is supplied to the respectivecommunication facilities by applying the technology as shown inNon-Patent Literature 1, for example.

CITATION LIST Non-Patent Literature

Non-Patent Literature 1: Takeda Takashi, et al. “Research andDevelopment of Power Feeding System and Power Source for Communication”,NTT GIJUTSU Journal, November, 2001, pp 44-49.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In a communication system of a relatively large scale, it is necessaryto manage a plurality of communication facilities that are independentfrom one another at the same time. For example, in a communicationsystem that provides a public telephone line and includes telephoneexchanges, it is necessary to continuously maintain communicationfunctions to be provided for the users so that such functions are notinterrupted even if some kind of failure occurs or if the maintenance orinspection of the facilities is carried out. Accordingly, it isnecessary to prepare a plurality of backup facilities in addition to thecommunication facilities that are normally used or make thecommunication path redundant. Furthermore, with sophistication of thesystem, it is also necessary to manage, for example, a specialcommunication facility for connecting to the IP (Internet Protocol)network, and a plurality of relay devices, at the same time.

In the communication system as described above, it is necessary tooperate each of a plurality of communication facilities that areindependent from one another in a stable state. Furthermore, in anenvironment in which a plurality of communication facilities areoperated in a state of being connected to one another, a problem such asan error may occur if the order in which the respective communicationfacilities are activated is different from the state that is assumed inadvance. Furthermore, it takes a certain amount of time from the startof power source electric power supply to each of the communicationfacilities from a predetermined main power source until each of thecommunication facilities is in a stable operating state. Furthermore,when starting the power source electric power supply to each of thecommunication facilities, a very large inrush current tends to flowtemporarily, so that if power source electric power supply to manycommunication facilities is started at the same time, the main powersource is overloaded to lose a function of the main power source, or theoperation of the main power source may become unstable. If the operationof the main power source becomes unstable, it may be a cause ofpreventing each of the communication facilities from operating normally.

Accordingly, in the communication system as described above thatincludes many communication facilities, it is necessary to startelectric power supply in order to each of the plurality of communicationfacilities from a common main power source, in accordance with thepredetermined order by the designer of the system. The same applies tothe case of stopping the power source electric power supply to each ofthe communication facilities.

Since the types of the communication facilities that are objects to becontrolled and the magnitudes of the loads thereof vary, and theelectric power supply capacity of the main power source is not alwaysconstant, there is a concern that the operations of the main powersource and each of the communication facilities may become unstable onlyby starting electric power supply in order to each of the plurality ofcommunication facilities. Accordingly, even if a sequencer that is anordinary control device is used, start and stop of supply of the powersource electric power to the plurality of communication facilitiescannot be properly controlled. Consequently, operation managers of thefacilities have conventionally performed operations of starting/stoppingpower source electric power supply to many communication facilitiesmanually in accordance with the predefined procedures. In particular,when a plurality of communication facilities are sequentially activated,careful operation is required to operate the system in a stable state.Accordingly, when a skilled operation manager is absent, a startingoperation of an important communication system cannot be performed.

The present invention is made in the light of the above describedsituation and has an object to provide a power source supply controldevice for communication facilities, a power source supply controlmethod, a power source supply control program, and a power source supplycontrol system that are capable of performing power source electricpower supply operation for activating a plurality of communicationfacilities in a stable state, in an unmanned manner.

Means for Solving the Problem

(1) A power source supply control device for communication facilities ofthe present invention is a power source supply control device forcommunication facilities, the power source supply control device beingfor supplying power source electric power to a plurality of independentloads constituting communication facilities respectively from a commonmain power source, or a plurality of main power sources belonging to asame system, including

a plurality of controllable switch units configured to switch provisionor non-provision of power source electric power supply to the respectiveplurality of loads from the main power source,

a plurality of power source monitor units each configured to monitor apower source state in each of power source lines at a downstream side ofone or more of the plurality of switch units, and

a switch control unit configured to control on/off of each of theplurality of switch units sequentially, based on monitor situations ofthe plurality of power source monitor units,

wherein the switch control unit specifies an energization switchingorder to the plurality of loads according to a predetermined state, andswitches on/off of the switch unit that controls energization to asecond load, after a power source is in a state that meets apredetermined condition, based on output of the power source monitorunit that monitors electric power supply to a first load theenergization switching order of which is earlier than the second loadthat is an object to be switched.

According to the power source supply control device for communicationfacilities of the present invention, it becomes possible to perform apower source electric power supply operation for operating the pluralityof communication facilities in a stable state, in an unmanned manner.For example, when starting power source electric power supply to thesecond load after starting the power source electric power supply to thefirst load, there is a possibility that the output voltage of the mainpower source temporarily declines, or the voltage fluctuates, due to aninfluence of start of energization to the first load. However, the powersource supply control device for communication facilities of the presentinvention can start power source electric power supply to the secondload after waiting until the state of the power source electric powersupply to be supplied to the first load becomes a predetermined state.The power source electric power supply to the second load is started inthe state in which the output voltage of the main power source isstabilized, and thereby the operation of the second load can be startedin a stable state. Furthermore, the plurality of power source monitorunits monitor the power source states in the power source lines at thedownstream sides of the plurality of switch units, so that it ispossible to reliably prevent electric power supply to the second loadfrom starting before the switch unit the order of which is earlier isswitched. Furthermore, when electric power supply to the first loadcannot be performed due to the influence of a blown fuse or the like,the operation of the second load can be prevented from starting in thestate in which the operation of the first load is not started.Furthermore, the power source electric power is sequentially supplied tothe plurality of loads in the predetermined order, so that it becomeseasy to prevent the main power source from being overloaded.

(2) A power source supply control method of the present invention is apower source supply control method for supplying power source electricpower to a plurality of independent loads constituting communicationfacilities respectively from a common main power source, or a pluralityof main power sources belonging to a same system, including

specifying an energization switching order to the plurality of loads,according to a predetermined state,

monitoring electric power supply to a first load the energizationswitching order of which is earlier than a second load that is an objectto be switched, among the plurality of loads, and

switching on/off of energization to the second load after an electricpower supply state that is monitored becomes a state that meets apredetermined condition.

According to the power source supply control method of the presentinvention, it becomes possible to perform the power source electricpower supply operation for operating the plurality of communicationfacilities in a stable state in an unmanned manner. For example, whenstarting the power source electric power supply to the second load afterstarting the power source electric power supply to the first load, thereis a possibility that the output voltage of the main power sourcetemporarily declines or the voltage fluctuates, due to the influence ofstart of energization to the first load. However, in the power sourcesupply control method for communication facilities of the presentinvention, it is possible to start the power source electric powersupply to the second load after waiting until the state of the powersource electric power supply to be supplied to the first load becomes apredetermined state. The power source electric power supply to thesecond load is started in the state in which the output voltage of themain power source is stabilized, and thereby the operation of the secondload can be started in a stable state. Furthermore, by monitoring anactual electric power supply state for each load, it is possible toprevent an error from occurring in the order of energization to therespective loads. Further, since the power source electric power issequentially supplied to the plurality of loads in the predeterminedorder, so that it becomes easy to prevent the main power source frombeing overloaded.

(3) A power source supply control program of the present invention is apower source supply control program that can be executed by apredetermined computer that performs control to supply power sourceelectric power to a plurality of independent loads constitutingcommunication facilities respectively from a common main power source,or a plurality of main power sources belonging to a same system,including

a procedure of specifying an energization switching order to theplurality of loads, according to a predetermined state,

a procedure of monitoring electric power supply to a first load theenergization switching order of which is earlier than a second load thatis an object to be switched, among the plurality of loads, and

a procedure of switching on/off of energization to the second load afteran electric power supply state that is monitored becomes a state thatmeets a predetermined condition.

By controlling the system by executing the power source supply controlprogram of the present invention by the predetermined computer, itbecomes possible to perform the power source electric power supplyoperation for operating the plurality of communication facilities in astable state, in an unmanned manner. For example, when the power sourceelectric power supply to the second load is started after the powersource electric power supply to the first load is started, there is apossibility that the output voltage of the main power source temporarilydeclines, or the voltage fluctuates, due to the influence of start ofenergization to the first load. However, in the power source supplycontrol program for communication facilities of the present invention,it is possible to start the power source electric power supply to thesecond load after waiting until the state of the power source electricpower supply to be supplied to the first load becomes a predeterminedstate. The power source electric power supply to the second load isstarted in the state in which the output voltage of the main powersource is stabilized, and thereby the operation of the second load canbe started in the stable state. Furthermore, by monitoring an actualelectric power supply state for each load, it is possible to prevent anerror from occurring in the order of energization to the respectiveloads. Furthermore, the power source electric power is sequentiallysupplied to the plurality of loads in the predetermined order, so thatit becomes easy to prevent the main power source from being overloaded.

(4) A power source supply control system of the present invention is apower source supply control system including a plurality of independentloads constituting communication facilities, a common main power sourcethat can supply power source electric power to the respective pluralityof loads, or a plurality of main power sources that belong to a samesystem, and a control unit that controls electric power supply to theplurality of loads from the main power source, including

a plurality of controllable switch units configured to switch provisionor non-provision of power source electric power supply to the respectiveplurality of loads from the main power source,

a plurality of power source monitor units each configured to monitor apower source state in each of power source lines at a downstream side ofone or more of the plurality of switch units, and

a switch control unit configured to control on/off of each of theplurality of switch units sequentially, based on monitor situations ofthe plurality of power source monitor units,

wherein the switch control unit specifies an energization switchingorder to the plurality of loads according to a predetermined state, andswitches on/off of the switch unit that controls energization to asecond load, after a power source is in a state that meets apredetermined condition, based on output of the power source monitorunit that monitors electric power supply to a first load theenergization switching order of which is earlier than the second loadthat is an object to be switched.

According to the power source supply control system of the presentinvention, it becomes possible to perform power source electric powersupply operation for operating the plurality of communication facilitiesin a stable state, in an unmanned manner. For example, when starting thepower source electric power supply to the second load after starting thepower source electric power supply to the first load, there is apossibility that the output voltage of the main power source temporarilydeclines, or the voltage fluctuates, due to an influence of start ofenergization to the first load. However, the power source supply controlsystem of the present invention can start the power source electricpower supply to the second load after waiting until the state of thepower source electric power supply to be supplied to the first loadbecomes a predetermined state. The power source electric power supply tothe second load is started in the state in which the output voltage ofthe main power source is stabilized, and thereby the operation of thesecond load can be started in a stable state. Furthermore, the pluralityof power source monitor units monitor the power source states in thepower source lines at the downstream sides of the plurality of switchunits, so that electric power supply to the second load can be reliablyprevented from starting before the switch unit the order of which isearlier is switched. Furthermore, when electric power supply to thefirst load cannot be performed due to the influence of a blown fuse orthe like, the operation of the second load can be prevented fromstarting in the state in which the operation of the first load is notstarted. Furthermore, the power source electric power is sequentiallysupplied to the plurality of loads in the predetermined order, so thatit becomes easy to prevent the main power source from being overloaded.

Effects of the Invention

According to the power source supply control device for communicationfacilities, the power source supply control method, the power sourcesupply control program, and the power source supply control system ofthe present invention, it becomes possible to perform the power sourceelectric power supply operation for operating a plurality ofcommunication facilities in a stable state, in an unmanned manner.Furthermore, since it is not necessary for humans to perform the powersource electric power supply operation, occurrence of an error operationcan also be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of acommunication system including a power source supply control device of afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an operation example of the power sourcesupply control device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of acommunication system including a power source supply control device of asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the powersource supply control device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of supplystarting order data.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of powersource condition data for each communication facility.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of supply start control in thepower source supply control device of the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of supply stop control in thepower source supply control device of the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example-1 of supply startcontrol.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing modified example-2 of the supply startcontrol.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment <Configuration Example ofCommunication System>

A configuration example of a communication system including a powersource supply control device 100 of a first embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1 . The communication system is used toprovide a service of a public telephone line to users, for example. As amatter of course, the present invention can also be applied tocommunication facilities for other purposes.

The communication system shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality ofcommunication facilities 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 that are independentfrom one another. These communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 eachrequire DC power source electric power to operate. In the example ofFIG. 1 , the power source supply control device 100 supplies powersource electric power to the communication facility 12-1 via a load sidepower source line 15-1. Furthermore, the power source supply controldevice 100 supplies the power source electric power to the communicationfacility 12-2 via a load side power source line 15-2. Furthermore, thepower source supply control device 100 supplies the power sourceelectric power to the communication facility 12-3 via a load side powersource line 15-3. Furthermore, the power source supply control device100 supplies the power source electric power to the communicationfacility 12-4 via a load side power source line 15-4.

A main power source 11 is, for example, a storage battery, and cansupply DC power source electric power to a load side via a power sourceline 13 and an earth line 14. The power source supply control device 100shown in FIG. 1 supplies power source electric power to the respectivecommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 via the load side power sourceline 15-1 to 15-4 from the common main power source 11 in an appropriateorder and under appropriate conditions with these communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 as loads to be controlled, when startingoperations of the plurality of communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4.Note that in the example of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the power sourceelectric power is supplied to each of the loads from the one main powersource 11, but, for example, a positive polarity main power source, anda negative polarity main power source that belong to a same system maybe used, and from the plurality of main power sources, power sourceelectric power may be supplied to each of the loads.

Note that as for the power source supply control device 100, it is alsopossible to change the configuration to cut off the power sourceelectric power supply from the main power source 11 in an appropriateorder and under appropriate conditions when stopping the operations ofthe plurality of communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are objectsto be controlled.

By determining the order to activate and the conditions to switch therespective communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4, the power sourcesupply control device 100 can bring the respective communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 into a stable operating state when activatingthe respective communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4. Furthermore, thepower source supply control device 100 shifts timings of start of thepower source electric power supply to the plurality of communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4, and thereby can prevent a large power sourcecurrent from flowing at a same timing and can prevent the main powersource 11 from being overloaded. Thereby, the power source supplycontrol device 100 can avoid error operations of the respectivecommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-4.

In the case of the power source supply control device 100 shown in FIG.1 , it is assumed that types and characteristics of the communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are respectively connected to downstream ofthe load side power source lines 15-1 to 15-4 are fixed in advance.Furthermore, regarding the order in which the plurality of communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 are activated, the communication facility 12-1is fixed as the first, the communication facility 12-2 is fixed as thesecond, the communication facility 12-3 is fixed as the third, and thecommunication facility 12-4 is fixed as the fourth. Consequently, anelectric power supply starting order at the time of activating theplurality of communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 is fixedly determinedby the circuit configuration of the power source supply control device100.

The power source line 13 and the load side power source line 15-1 areconnected via a series circuit of a fuse 16-1 and a switch SW1.Likewise, the power source line 13 and the load side power source line15-2 are connected via a series circuit of a fuse 16-2 and a switch SW2.The power source line 13 and the load side power source line 15-3 areconnected via a series circuit of a fuse 16-3 and a switch SW3. Thepower source line 13 and the load side power source line 15-4 areconnected via a series circuit of a fuse 16-4 and a switch SW4.

The switches SW1 to SW4 each have a contact capable of being controlledto be turned on/off individually such as a relay, for example. In astate in which a contact of the switch SW1 is opened as in FIG. 1 , thepower source electric power is not supplied to the communicationfacility 12-1, and when the contact of the switch SW1 is closed, thepower source electric power from the main power source 11 is supplied tothe communication facility 12-1 via the load side power source line 15-1and the communication facility 12-1 starts activation.

As in the above description, when a contact of the switch SW2 is closed,the power source electric power from the main power source 11 issupplied to the communication facility 12-2, when a contact of theswitch SW3 is closed, the power source electric power from the mainpower source 11 is supplied to the communication facility 12-3, and whena contact of the switch SW4 is closed, the power source electric powerfrom the main power source 11 is supplied to the communication facility12-4.

The power source supply control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes fourmonitor control units 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, and 17-4 that are independentfrom one another.

A first monitor control unit 17-1 controls on/off of the power sourceelectric power supply to the first communication facility 12-1 that is aload to be controlled. For that purpose, the monitor control unit 17-1monitors a state, specifically, a voltage, of the power source of thepower source line 13 that is in a higher level than the load side powersource line 15-1, and compares the state with a predetermined conditionaccording to the characteristics of the communication facility 12-1. Themonitor control unit 17-1 generates a control signal SG5 based on thecomparison result, and switches on/off of the switch SW1. In otherwords, when the voltage of the power source line 13 satisfies anactivation start condition of the communication facility 12-1, themonitor control unit 17-1 closes the contact of the switch SW1 to startthe power source electric power supply to the communication facility12-1.

A second monitor control unit 17-2 controls on/off of the power sourceelectric power supply to the second communication facility 12-2 that isa load to be controlled. For this purpose, the monitor control unit 17-2monitors a state of a power source, specifically, a voltage, in the loadside power source line 15-1 of the first communication facility 12-1 towhich electric power supply is started earlier than the communicationfacility 12-2, and compares the state with a predetermined conditionaccording to characteristics of the communication facility 12-2. Themonitor control unit 17-2 generates a control signal SG6 based on aresult of the comparison and switches on/off of the switch SW2. In otherwords, when the voltage of the first load side power source line 15-1 ina higher level satisfies an activation start condition of the secondcommunication facility 12-2, the monitor control unit 17-2 closes thecontact of the switch SW2 to start the power source electric powersupply to the communication facility 12-2.

A third monitor control unit 17-3 controls on/off of the power sourceelectric power supply to the third communication facility 12-3 that is aload to be controlled. For this purpose, the monitor control unit 17-3monitors a state of a power source, specifically, a voltage, in the loadside power source line 15-2 of the second communication facility 12-2 towhich electric power supply is started earlier than the communicationfacility 12-3, and compares the state with a predetermined conditionaccording to characteristics of the communication facility 12-3. Themonitor control unit 17-3 generates a control signal SG7 based on aresult of the comparison and switches on/off of the switch SW3. In otherwords, when the voltage of the second load side power source line 15-2of a higher level satisfies an activation start condition of the thirdcommunication facility 12-3, the monitor control unit 17-3 closes thecontact of the switch SW3 to start power source electric power supply tothe communication facility 12-3.

A fourth monitor control unit 17-4 controls on/off of the power sourceelectric power supply to the fourth communication facility 12-4 that isa load to be controlled. For this purpose, the monitor control unit 17-4monitors a state of a power source, specifically, a voltage, in the loadside power source line 15-3 of the third communication facility 12-3 towhich electric power supply is started earlier than the communicationfacility 12-4, and compares the state with a predetermined conditionaccording to characteristics of the communication facility 12-4. Themonitor control unit 17-4 generates a control signal SG8 based on aresult of the above and switches on/off of the switch SW4. In otherwords, when the voltage of the third load side power source line 15-3 ofa higher level satisfies an activation start condition of the fourthcommunication facility 12-4, the monitor control unit 17-4 closes thecontact of the switch SW4 to start power source electric power supply tothe communication facility 12-4.

Note that regarding the state of the power source monitored by each ofthe monitor control units 17-1 to 17-4, a current may be monitoredinstead of the voltage, or both the voltage and current may bemonitored, or a fluctuation amount of either the voltage or the currentmay be monitored.

<Operation Example>

An operation example of the power source supply control device 100 shownin FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2 , a vertical axis representson/off (ON/OFF) states of the respective switches SW1 to SW3, and ahorizontal axis represents a time t.

In the communication system shown in FIG. 1 , it is necessary to startpower source electric power supply to the first communication facility12-1, the second communication facility 12-2, the third communicationfacility 12-3, . . . in this order. Accordingly, the power source supplycontrol device 100 in FIG. 1 switches the switch SW1 from off to on at atime t11, then switches the switch SW2 from off to on at a subsequenttime t21, and then switches the switch SW3 from off to on at asubsequent time t31, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The time t11 shown in FIG. 2 is determined based on comparison of apower source state of the power source line 13 which the monitor controlunit 17-1 monitors by the monitor signal SG1, and information on thepower source condition that is retained by the monitor control unit17-1.

Furthermore, the time t21 is determined based on comparison of the powersource state of the load side power source line 15-1 which the monitorcontrol unit 17-2 monitors by the monitor signal SG2, and information onthe power source condition retained by the monitor control unit 17-2.Here, the electric power of the first load side power source line 15-1the order of which is higher than the second load side power source line15-2 does not appear as long as the first switch SW1 is not turned on,and therefore the time t21 at which the second switch SW2 is switched toon is definitely after the first time t11. Furthermore, if the fuse 16-1is blown, for example, the second switch SW2 is not switched to on evenafter the first switch SW1 is turned on.

Likewise, the time t31 is determined based on comparison of the powersource state of the load side power source line 15-2 which the monitorcontrol unit 17-3 monitors by the monitor signal SG3, and information onthe power source condition retained by the monitor control unit 17-3.Here, the electric power of the second load side power source line 15-2the order of which is higher than the third load side power source line15-3 does not appear as long as the second switch SW2 is not turned on,and therefore the time t31 at which the third switch SW3 is switched toon is definitely after the second time t21. Furthermore, if the fuse16-2 is blown, for example, the third switch SW3 is not switched to oneven after the second switch SW2 is turned on.

Furthermore, the respective monitor control units 17-1 to 17-4 of thepower source supply control device 100 controls the switches SW1 to SW4based on the results of comparing the states of the power sources suchas voltages with the predetermined states, so that the respective timest11, t21 and t31 shown in FIG. 2 are not predetermined. For example,while the power source voltage of the load side power source line 15-1temporarily declines due to the influence of the inrush current flowingthrough the communication facility 12-1, and is in a state deviatingfrom the condition retained by the monitor control unit 17-2, directlyafter the SW1 is closed, and the power source electric power supply tothe first load side power source line 15-1 is started, the switch SW2remains to be off. Subsequently, the switch SW2 is switched to on at thetime t21 at which the power source voltage of the load side power sourceline 15-1 is in the state of satisfying the condition retained by themonitor control unit 17-2.

In the power source supply control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , theorder of start of the power source electric power supply to theplurality of communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 is determined fixedlyby the circuit configuration of the power source supply control device100. Accordingly, in order to change the order of start of the powersource electric power supply, it is necessary to change the circuitconfiguration of the power source supply control device 100, that is,hardware, and the power source supply control device 100 cannot be usedfor general purposes. Thus, a power source supply control device that isuniversally usable by change of software will be described as anotherembodiment hereinafter.

Second Embodiment <Configuration Example of Communication System>

A configuration example of a communication system including a powersource supply control device 100B of a second embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 3 . In FIG. 3 , common components to theconfiguration in FIG. 1 are shown by being assigned with same referencesigns. In other words, in the communication system in FIG. 3 , aconfiguration other than the power source supply control device 100B issame as in FIG. 1 .

The communication system shown in FIG. 3 has a plurality ofcommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 as objects to be controlled as inthe communication system in FIG. 1 , and the power source supply controldevice 100B in FIG. 3 has a function of properly controlling start andstop of power source electric power supply to the communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4.

The power source supply control device 100B in FIG. 3 realizesequivalent functions to the plurality of monitor control units 17-1 to17-4 shown in FIG. 1 , but can be used for general purposes even if thecircuit configuration is not changed, by being controlled by software.The power source supply control device 100B can be realized byincorporating an input interface for monitoring a plurality of monitorsignals SG1 to SG4, an output interface for controlling a plurality ofswitches SW1 to SW4, and exclusive programs and data for control into amain body of an ordinary personal computer, for example.

<Internal Configuration of Power Source Supply Control Device>

An internal configuration of the power source supply control device 100Bshown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the power source supply control device 100Bincludes respective functions of a plurality of high-level power sourcemonitor units 21-1 to 21-4, a power source condition comparison unit 22,a nonvolatile storage unit 23, a switching order determination unit 24,and a plurality of switch control units 25-1 to 25-4. Furthermore, thenonvolatile storage unit 23 retains supply starting order data TB1, andpower source condition data TB2 for each communication facility, aspredetermined data.

The respective high-level power source monitor units 21-1 to 21-4 shownin FIG. 4 can be realized by electric circuits that process signals ofvoltages or the like of monitor signals SG1 to SG4, analog/digital (A/D)converters, processing functions of a computer main body, and softwarefor monitoring. Furthermore, the power source condition comparison unit22 and the switching order determination unit 24 can be realized byprocessing functions of the computer main body, and a program thatrealizes a processing procedure of the present invention. As thenonvolatile storage unit 23, a hard disk attached to the computer mainbody, and a storage device such as a nonvolatile internal memory can beused. The respective switch control units 25-1 to 25-4 can be configuredas output interfaces of a computer that can control on/off of theswitches SW1 to SW4.

The supply starting order data TB1 is constant data in which a supplystarting order of power source electric power to the plurality ofcommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are loads to be controlled bythe power source supply control device 100B. As for a content of thesupply starting order data TB1, appropriate values are predetermined bya designer based on specifications of the main power source 11 andspecifications of the communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4, and areretained on the nonvolatile storage unit 23.

The power source condition data TB2 for each communication facilitydefines the power source condition such as the voltage for start ofpower source electric power supply, with respect to each of theplurality of communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are the loads tobe controlled by the power source supply control device 100B. Concerninga content of the power source condition data TB2 for each communicationfacility, appropriate values are predetermined by the designer based onthe specifications of the main power source 11 and the specifications ofthe communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4, and are retained on thenonvolatile storage unit 23.

The switching order determination unit 24 determines the supply startingorder of the power source electric power to the respective communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 in accordance with the content of the supplystarting order data TB1 that is read from the nonvolatile storage unit23.

The power source condition comparison unit 22 controls the switchingorder of the switches SW1 to SW4 in accordance with the order that isdetermined by the switching order determination unit 24, and comparespower source states at each timepoint of the monitor signals SG1 to SG4,and the content of the power source condition data TB2 for eachcommunication facility to determine a timing for switching each of theswitches SW1 to SW4. In accordance with the comparison result, the powersource condition comparison unit 22 sequentially switches on/off of theswitches SW1 to SW4.

<Configuration Example of Supply Starting Order Data>

A configuration example of the supply starting order data TB1 is shownin FIG. 5 .

The supply starting order data TB1 shown in FIG. 5 includes N sets ofdata formed of numbers 1, 2, . . . , N representing the respectivecommunication facilities 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, . . . that are loads to becontrolled, information A1, A2, . . . , AN representing types of therespective communication facilities 12-1, 12-2, . . . , 12-N, andnumbers 1, 2, . . . , N representing the starting order of therespective communication facilities 12-1, 12-2, . . . , 12-N.

Accordingly, the switching order determination unit 24 can recognizethat electric power supply can be started in the order of thecommunication facilities 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, . . . , from the content ofthe supply starting order data TB1. Furthermore, if the content of thesupply starting order data TB1 is changed, the supply starting order ofthe power source electric power can be changed, so that it is possibleto accommodate communication facilities of various specificationswithout changing the circuit configuration of the power source supplycontrol device 100B. Note that the configuration of the supply startingorder data TB1 can be changed as necessary.

<Configuration Example of Power Source Condition Data for EachCommunication Facility>

A configuration example of the power source condition data TB2 for eachcommunication facility is shown in FIG. 6 .

The power source condition data TB2 for each communication facilityshown in FIG. 6 includes N sets of data formed of numbers 1, 2, . . . ,N representing the respective communication facilities 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,. . . that are loads to be controlled, information A1, A2, . . . , ANthat represent types of the respective communication facilities 12-1,12-2, . . . , 12-N, and conditions for switching the power source supplystates of the respective communication facilities 12-1, 12-2, . . . ,12-N.

In the example shown in FIG. 6 , a condition for switching the powersource supply state to the first communication facility 12-1 is a statein which the monitor voltage Vx is between a constant representing aminimum value Vmin1 and a constant representing a maximum value Vmax1.Furthermore, a condition for switching the power source supply state tothe second communication facility 12-2 is a state in which the monitorvoltage Vx is between a constant representing a minimum value Vmin2 anda constant representing a maximum value Vmax2. The same applies to theother communication facilities, and the conditions for switching areindividually determined.

Accordingly, when the power source condition comparison unit 22 is tostart the power source electric power supply to the second communicationfacility 12-2, for example, the power source supply control device 100Bdetermines timing for switching the switch SW2, based on a result ofcomparing the monitor voltage Vx of the monitor signal SG2 that isinputted from the high-level power source monitor unit 21-2, and thesecond minimum value Vmin2 and maximum value Vmax2 in the power sourcecondition data TB2 for each communication facility.

If the content that is registered to each part of the power sourcecondition data TB2 for each communication facility are changed, thepower source supply control device 100B can change the power sourcecondition to start the power source electric power supply individuallyfor each communication facility. Accordingly, even when thespecifications of the communication system to be controlled are changed,the power source supply control device 100B can properly accommodate thechange in the specifications only by data change of the power sourcecondition data TB2 for each communication facility.

<Procedure of Supply Start Control>

A procedure of supply start control in the power source supply controldevice of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 7 .

In other words, the main body of the computer that realizes the powersource supply control device 100B shown in FIG. 4 executes the controlprogram corresponding to the content in FIG. 7 , and thereby properlycontrols start of supply of the power source electric power to the Ncommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-N that are loads to be controlled.Note that the example in FIG. 4 assumes the case in which the powersource supply control device 100B controls only the communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 of four systems, but a number of necessarycomponents can be increased or decreased correspondingly to change inthe total number N of the facilities to be controlled.

In the procedure shown in FIG. 7 , the power source supply controldevice 100B uses, for example, the supply starting order data TB1 andthe power source condition data TB2 for each communication facilityshown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 . The procedure shown in FIG. 7 will bedescribed hereinafter.

In first step S11, the switching order determination unit 24 reads thecontent of the supply starting order data TB1 and specifies the supplystarting order of N communication facilities in accordance with thecontent.

In next step S12, the power source condition comparison unit 22initializes a number n that identifies an object to be processed fromthe communication facilities or the like of N systems to “1”.

In step S13, the communication facility or the like of the first systemis the object to be processed, so that the power source conditioncomparison unit 22 successively receives a voltage of the power sourceline 13 as a voltage Vx of the monitor signal SG1 by using thehigh-level power source monitor unit 21-1.

In step S14, the power source condition comparison unit 22 refers to thecondition of the first system in the power source condition data TB2 foreach communication facility, and compares this condition with themonitor voltage Vx received in step S13. When the comparison result doesnot satisfy the condition, the power source condition comparison unit 22repeats the processes of steps S13 to S15, and proceeds from step S15 toS16 when the comparison result satisfies the condition.

In step S16, the power source condition comparison unit 22 controls anyone of the switch control units 25-1, 25-2, . . . to close a contact ofa switch SWn the switching order of which is the n^(th) among theswitches SW1, SW2, . . . , and starts power source electric power supplyto the n^(th) communication facility 12-n. Here, by start of supply ofthe power source electric power, the n^(th) communication facility 12-ncan start operation.

In step S17, the power source condition comparison unit 22 adds 1 to thenumber n to change the content.

In step S18, the power source condition comparison unit 22 identifieswhether or not the processes to all the communication facilities to becontrolled are ended, proceeds to processes of next step S19 and thefollowing steps when the processes are not ended, and repeats theprocesses until the processes are ended.

In step S19, the power source condition comparison unit 22 receives apower source voltage at a downstream side of an n−1^(th) switch SWn−1that is switched just before an n^(th) object to be processed of thistime from an n^(th) high-level power source monitor unit 21-n andmonitors the power source voltage as the monitor voltage Vx.

In step S20, the power source condition comparison unit 22 acquires theswitching condition of the power source that is allocated to the n^(th)communication facility that is the object to be processed of this timefrom the power source condition data TB2 for each communicationfacility, and compares the switching condition of the power source withthe monitor voltage Vx in step S19. When the comparison result in stepS20 does not satisfy the condition, the power source conditioncomparison unit 22 repeats the processes of steps S19 to S21, proceedsfrom step S21 to S16 when the comparison result satisfies the condition,and closes the n^(th) switch.

Accordingly, by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 , itis possible to switch the respective switches SW1, SW2, . . . as in FIG.2 , for example, and it is possible to control start of supply of thepower source electric power to the plurality of communication facilities12-1, 12-2, . . . in the predetermined order and at timing according tothe predetermined condition of the power source. Consequently, itbecomes easy to activate each of the plurality of communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 included in the communication system in a stablestate, and it is possible to prevent the main power source 11 from beingoverloaded, or the output of the main power source 11 from becomingunstable.

<Procedure of Supply Stop Control>

A procedure of supply stop control in the power source supply controldevice 100B of the second embodiment of the present invention is shownin FIG. 8 .

In other words, the main body of the computer that realizes the powersource supply control device 100B shown in FIG. 4 executes a controlprogram corresponding to a content in FIG. 8 , and thereby properlycontrols stop of supply of the power source electric power to the Ncommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-N that are the loads to becontrolled.

In the procedure shown in FIG. 8 , the power source supply controldevice 100B uses supply ending order data TB3 instead of the supplystarting order data TB1 shown in FIG. 4 and uses power source conditiondata TB4 for each communication facility that differs in content fromthe power source condition data TB2 for each communication facility.

The supply ending order data TB3 that is used in the procedure in FIG. 8is configured to retain data of a number representing a “stopping order”instead of the “starting order” in the supply starting order data TB1shown in FIG. 5 , for example. Furthermore, the power source conditiondata TB4 for each communication facility used in the procedure in FIG. 8is configured to retain the data of the power source condition whenswitching each of the switches from close to open as the “power sourcecondition” in the power source condition data TB2 for each communicationfacility shown in FIG. 6 .

Furthermore, in FIG. 8 , common steps to the procedure in FIG. 7 areshown by being assigned with the same step numbers. The procedure shownin FIG. 8 will be described hereinafter.

In first step S11B, the switching order determination unit 24 reads acontent of the supply ending order data TB3, and specifies a supplystarting order of the N communication facilities in accordance with thecontent.

In next step S12, the power source condition comparison unit 22initializes the number n identifying the object to be processed from thecommunication facilities or the like of the N systems to “1”.

In step S13, the communication facility or the like of the first systemis the object to be processed, so that the power source conditioncomparison unit 22 successively receives the voltage of the power sourceline 13 as the voltage Vx of the monitor signal SG1 by using thehigh-level power source monitor unit 21-1.

In step S14B, the power source condition comparison unit 22 refers tothe condition of the first system of the power source condition data TB4for each communication facility, and compares the condition with themonitor voltage Vx received in step S13. When the comparison result doesnot satisfy the condition, the power source condition comparison unit 22repeats processes of steps S13 to S15, and proceeds from step S15 toS16B when the comparison result satisfies the condition.

In step S16B, the power source condition comparison unit 22 controls anyone of the switch control units 25-1, 25-2, . . . to open a contact ofthe switch SWn the switching order of which is the n^(th) among theswitches SW1, SW2, . . . , and ends the power source electric powersupply to the n^(th) communication facility 12-n. Here, the n^(th)communication facility 12-n stops operation by end of supply of thepower source electric power.

In step S17, the power source condition comparison unit 22 adds 1 to thenumber n to update the content.

In step S18, the power source condition comparison unit 22 identifieswhether or not the processes to all the communication facilities thatare the objects to be controlled are ended, proceeds to processes ofstep S19 and the following steps when the processes to all thecommunication facilities are not ended, and repeats the processes untilthe processes to all the communication facilities are ended.

In step S19, the power source condition comparison unit 22 receives apower source voltage at a downstream side of an n−1^(th) switch SWn−1that is switched just before an n^(th) object to be processed of thistime from an n^(th) high-level power source monitor unit 21-n andmonitors the power source voltage as the monitor voltage Vx.

In step S20B, the power source condition comparison unit 22 acquires theswitching condition of the power source that is allocated to the n^(th)communication facility that is the object to be processed of this timefrom the power source condition data TB4 for each communicationfacility, and compares the switching condition of the power source withthe monitor voltage Vx in step S19. When the comparison result in stepS20B does not satisfy the condition, the power source conditioncomparison unit 22 repeats the processes of steps S19 to S21, proceedsfrom step S21 to S16 when the comparison result satisfies the condition,and opens the n^(th) switch.

Accordingly, by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 , itis possible to switch the respective switches SW1, SW2, . . . from on tooff sequentially, contrary to the operation shown in FIG. 2 , forexample, and it is possible to control stop of supply of the powersource electric power to the plurality of communication facilities 12-1,12-2, . . . in the predetermined order and at timing according to thepredetermined condition of the power source. Consequently, it becomeseasy to stop each of the plurality of communication facilities 12-1 to12-4 included in the communication system in a stable state.

MODIFIED EXAMPLE-1 OF SUPPLY START CONTROL

A modified example-1 of the “supply start control” shown in FIG. 7 isshown in FIG. 9 .

In other words, the main body of the computer that realizes the powersource supply control device 100B shown in FIG. 4 executes a controlprogram corresponding to a content in FIG. 9 , and thereby properlycontrols start of supply of the power source electric power to the Ncommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-N that are loads to be controlled.

In a procedure shown in FIG. 9 , the power source supply control device100B uses power source condition data TB2B for each communicationfacility that differs in content from the power source condition dataTB2 for each communication facility shown in FIG. 4 . The power sourcecondition data TB2B for each communication facility used in theprocedure in FIG. 9 is configured to retain data specifying a length ofan elapsed time after the monitor voltage Vx is switched to a normalon-level, rather than a voltage range of the monitor voltage Vx, as the“power source condition” in the power source condition data TB2 for eachcommunication facility shown in FIG. 6 .

Furthermore, in FIG. 9 , common steps to the procedure in FIG. 7 areshown by being assigned with the same step numbers. The procedure shownin FIG. 9 will be described hereinafter.

In respective steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 9 , the computer main body of thepower source supply control device 100B executes the operations alreadydescribed.

In step S14C in FIG. 9 , the power source condition comparison unit 22refers to a condition of the first system in the power source conditiondata TB2B for each communication facility, and compares a specified timeof this condition, and an elapsed time after the monitor voltage Vx isswitched to a specified on-level. When the comparison result does notsatisfy the condition, the power source condition comparison unit 22repeats processes in steps S13 to S15, and proceeds from step S15 to S16after the comparison result satisfies the condition.

In respective steps S16 to S19 in FIG. 9 , the computer main body of thepower source supply control device 100B executes the operations alreadydescribed.

In step S20C in FIG. 9 , the power source condition comparison unit 22acquires a power source switching condition allocated to the n^(th)communication facility that is an object to be processed of this timefrom the power source condition data TB2B for each communicationfacility, and compares a specified time of this condition and an elapsedtime after the monitor voltage Vx is switched to a specified on-level.When the comparison result in step S20C does not satisfy the condition,the power source condition comparison unit 22 repeats the processes insteps S19 to S21, proceeds from step S21 to S16 when the comparisonresult satisfies the condition, and closes an n^(th) switch.

Accordingly, by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 , itis possible to switch the respective switches SW1, SW2, . . . as in FIG.2 , for example, and it is possible to control start of supply of thepower source electric power to the plurality of communication facilities12-1, 12-2, . . . in the predetermined order and at the timing accordingto the predetermined condition of the power source. Consequently, itbecomes easy to activate each of the plurality of communicationfacilities 12-1 to 12-4 included in the communication system in a stablestate, and it is possible to prevent the main power source 11 from beingoverloaded, or the output of the main power source 11 from becomingunstable.

A behavior of the monitor voltage Vx directly after the power sourceelectric power supply to the respective loads is started is not alwaysconstant. However, it is conceivable that the monitor voltage Vx becomesstable by a certain amount of time elapsing after the power sourceelectric power supply is started. Accordingly, it is possible to realizestable control by specifying a relatively long time with an enoughmargin in the power source condition data TB2B for each communicationfacility, as the switching condition of the power source. However, atime taken to switch tends to be long as compared with the procedure inFIG. 7 .

MODIFIED EXAMPLE-2 OF SUPPLY START CONTROL

Modified example-2 of the supply start control shown in FIG. 7 is shownin FIG. 10 .

In other words, the main body of the computer that realizes the powersource supply control device 100B shown in FIG. 4 executes the controlprogram corresponding to the content in FIG. 10 , and thereby properlycontrols start of supply of the power source electric power to the Ncommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-N that are loads to be controlled.

In the procedure shown in FIG. 10 , the power source supply controldevice 100B uses power source condition data TB2C for each communicationfacility that differs in content from the power source condition dataTB2 for each communication facility shown in FIG. 4 . The power sourcecondition data TB2C for each communication facility that is used in theprocedure in FIG. 10 is configured to retain data that specifies alength of an elapsed time after the monitor voltage Vx is switched to anormal on-level, in addition to a voltage range of the monitor voltageVx, as the “power source condition” in the power source condition dataTB2 for each communication facility shown in FIG. 6 .

Further, in FIG. 10 , common steps to the procedure in FIG. 7 are shownby being assigned with same step numbers. A procedure shown in FIG. 10will be described hereinafter.

In respective steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 10 , the computer main body ofthe power source supply control device 100B executes the operationalready described.

In step S14D in FIG. 10 , a power source condition comparison unit 22refers to a condition of a first system in the power source conditiondata TB2C for each communication facility, and compares each of avoltage range and a specified time included in the condition, with themonitor voltage Vx.

When either one of the conditions that the monitor voltage Vx satisfiesthe condition of the voltage range, and that an elapsed time after themonitor voltage Vx is switched to the on-level becomes the specifiedtime, the power source condition comparison unit 22 proceeds from stepS15D to S16, and when the comparison result satisfies none of theconditions, the power source condition comparison unit 22 repeatsprocesses in steps S13 to S15D.

Note that concerning step S15D, the process may be changed so that thepower source condition comparison unit 22 proceeds to step S16 only whenthe monitor voltage Vx satisfies both the conditions of the voltagerange and the elapsed time. Further, in that case, the elapsed timeafter the monitor voltage Vx satisfies the condition of the voltagerange may be compared with the specified time.

In respective steps S16 to S19 in FIG. 10 , the computer main body ofthe power source supply control device 100B executes the operations thatare already described.

In step S20D in FIG. 10 , the power source condition comparison unit 22acquires a power source switching condition allocated to the n^(th)communication facility that is an object to be processed of this timefrom the power source condition data TB2B for each communicationfacility, and compares each of the voltage range and the specified timeincluded in the condition, and the monitor voltage Vx.

When either one of the conditions that the monitor voltage Vx satisfiesthe condition of the voltage range, and the condition that the elapsedtime after the monitor voltage Vx is switched to the on-level becomesthe specified time, the power source condition comparison unit 22proceeds from step S21D to S16, and closes the n^(th) switch. When thecomparison result satisfies none of the conditions, the power sourcecondition comparison unit 22 repeats the processes of steps S19 to S21D.

Note that concerning step S21D, the process may be changed so that thepower source condition comparison unit 22 proceeds to step S16 only whenthe monitor voltage Vx satisfies both the conditions of the voltagerange and the elapsed time. Furthermore, in that case, the elapsed timeafter the monitor voltage Vx satisfies the condition of the voltagerange may be compared with the specified time.

<Advantage of Power Source Supply Control Device>

In the power source supply control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , it ispossible to fix the order of starting the power source electric powersupply to the communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are the loadsto be controlled, in advance, by the configuration of the circuitconnection state of the plurality of monitor control units 17-1 to 17-4.Furthermore, it is possible to predetermine the conditions for startingand stopping the power source electric power supply and incorporate theconditions into the respective monitor control units 17-1 to 17-4.Furthermore, since the respective monitor control units 17-1 to 17-4monitor the states of the power sources in the high-level power sourceline 13, or the load side power source lines 15-1 to 15-3 the states ofwhich are switched earlier than the loads to be controlled, so thatafter the voltage or the like of the power source is stabilized afterenergization to one load is started, energization to a next load can bestarted. Consequently, supply of the power source electric power is lessinfluenced by the inrush current or the like flowing through the load atthe time of start of energization, and even if the power source capacityof the main power source 11 does not have a large margin, it is possibleto activate a plurality of loads in a stable state. Furthermore, wheneach of the fuses 16-1 to 16-4 is blown, it is possible to reflectblowing of the fuse in control.

Furthermore, the power source supply control device 100B shown in FIG. 3can be used to control the communication facilities of variousspecifications without changing the circuit configuration. In otherwords, since the order of starting power source electric power supply tothe communication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 that are the loads to becontrolled is determined based on the supply starting order data TB1shown in FIG. 4 , and the condition to start the power source electricpower supply is determined based on the power source condition data TB2for each communication facility, it is possible to use common hardwareand apply it for various purposes by only amendment of the data.

Furthermore, when the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 is to beadopted, the elapsed time is monitored to determine the switching timingin respective steps S14C, and S20C, so that there is no need to measurethe monitor voltage Vx with high accuracy, and it is also easy tosimplify the contents of the processes.

Furthermore, when the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 is to beadopted, the state of the voltage or the like of the power source ismonitored in respective steps S14 and S20, so that even whenenergization to one load is started and thereafter, the power sourcevoltage becomes unstable temporarily due to an influence of theenergization, it is possible to start energization to the next loadafter waiting until the power source voltage is actually stabilized.Consequently, it is possible to start operations of the plurality ofcommunication facilities 12-1 to 12-4 in a stable state even if humansdo not intervene in the operation.

Furthermore, when the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 is to beadopted, both of the conditions of the power source voltage and the timeare compared in respective steps S14D and S20D, so that energizationstart control with higher accuracy is enabled. For example, the state ofthe switch is switched, after a predetermined time of a margin furtherelapses after the monitor voltage Vx is stabilized within a specificvoltage range, and thereby it is possible to enhance stability ofcontrol.

Furthermore, the power source condition data TB2 for each communicationfacility shown in FIG. 6 , for example, includes data on the powersource condition that is independent for each communication facility, sothat it is possible to optimize the condition of the power source at thetime of starting energization according to the unique characteristics ofeach of the communication facilities.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11 Main power source

12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 Communication facility

13 Power source line

14 Earth line

15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4 Load side power source line

16-1, 16-2, 16-3, 16-4 Fuse

17-1, 17-2, 17-3, 17-4 Monitor control unit

21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4 High-level power source monitor unit

22 Power source condition comparison unit

23 Nonvolatile storage unit

24 Switching order determination unit

25-1, 25-2, 25-3, 25-4 Switch control unit

100, 100B Power source supply control device

SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4 Switch

SG1, SG2, SG3, SG4 Monitor signal

SG5, SG6, SG7, SG8 Control signal

TB1 Supply starting order data

TB2, TB2B, TB2C, TB4 Power source condition data for each communicationfacility

TB3 Supply ending order data

1. A power source supply control device for communication facilities,the power source supply control device configured to supply power sourceelectric power to a plurality of independent loads constitutingcommunication facilities respectively from a common main power source,or a plurality of main power sources belonging to a same system,comprising: a plurality of controllable switches configured to switchprovision or non-provision of power source electric power supply to therespective plurality of loads from the main power source, a plurality ofpower source monitors each configured to monitor a power source state ineach of power source lines at a downstream side of one or more of theplurality of switches; and a switch controller configured to controlon/off of each of the plurality of switches sequentially, based onmonitor situations of the plurality of power source monitors, whereinthe switch controller specifies an energization switching order to theplurality of loads according to a predetermined state, and switcheson/off of the switch that controls energization to a second load, aftera power source is in a state that meets a predetermined condition, basedon output of the power source monitor that monitors electric powersupply to a first load the energization switching order of which isearlier than the second load that is an object to be switched.
 2. Thepower source supply control device for communication facilitiesaccording to claim 1, wherein the switch controller switches on/off ofthe switch that controls energization to the second load after apredetermined fixed time elapses after a power source supply state isswitched, based on the output of the power source monitor that monitorsthe electric power supply to the first load the energization switchingorder of which is earlier than the second load that is the object to beswitched.
 3. The power source supply control device for communicationfacilities according to claim 1, wherein the switch controller switcheson/off of the switch that controls energization to the second load,after at least one of a voltage and a current of the corresponding powersource line is in a state that meets a predetermined condition, based onoutput of the power source monitor that monitors the electric powersupply to the first load the energization switching order of which isearlier than the second load that is the object to be switched.
 4. Thepower source supply control device for communication facilitiesaccording to claim 1, wherein the switch controller switches on/off ofthe switch that controls energization to the second load, after eitherone or both of a first condition indicating that a predetermined fixedtime elapses after a power source supply state is switched, and a secondcondition indicating that at least one of a voltage and a current of thecorresponding power source line is in a state that meets a predeterminedcondition, based on output of the power source monitor that monitors thepower supply to the first load the energization switching order of whichis earlier than the second load that is the object to be switched. 5.The power source supply control device for communication facilitiesaccording to claim 1, wherein the switch controller is configured toretain information on a predetermined condition for controllingenergization to the second load individually for each load.
 6. A powersource supply control method for supplying power source electric powerto a plurality of independent loads constituting communicationfacilities respectively from a common main power source, or a pluralityof main power sources belonging to a same system, comprising: specifyingan energization switching order to the plurality of loads, according toa predetermined state; monitoring electric power supply to a first loadthe energization switching order of which is earlier than a second loadthat is an object to be switched, among the plurality of loads; andswitching on/off of energization to the second load after an electricpower supply state that is monitored becomes a state that meets apredetermined condition.
 7. A memory device storing a power sourcesupply control program executable by a predetermined computer thatperforms operations to control to supply power source electric power toa plurality of independent loads constituting communication facilitiesrespectively from a common main power source, or a plurality of mainpower sources belonging to a same system, the operations comprising:specifying an energization switching order to the plurality of loads,according to a predetermined state; monitoring electric power supply toa first load the energization switching order of which is earlier than asecond load that is an object to be switched, among the plurality ofloads; and switching on/off of energization to the second load after anelectric power supply state that is monitored becomes a state that meetsa predetermined condition.
 8. (canceled)